Social worker Howard Beverland backs part-time Crusaders to pull off Europa League SHOCK against Wolves... but he's already looking forward to returning to the office Howard Beverland works full-time in mental health services in BelfastBeverland trains just three times a week for part-time outfit Crusaders He's booked two days off work in order to play in the Europa League clash The centre-back is hoping to stop Wolves in their tracks on Thursday night

By Laurie Whitwell for the Daily Mail

Published: 22:33 BST, 23 July 2019 | Updated: 22:35 BST, 23 July 2019

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Howard Beverland has taken two days off from his day job as a social worker to play in Crusaders' Europa League tie against Wolves on Thursday night and has backed his part-time side to pull off an upset at Molineux.

The 29-year balances his full-time job in Belfast with a football career but says he is equally passionate about both vocations.

'I work in mental health services, Monday to Friday,' Beverland explains. 'Young kids from four to 17 are referred to our service through their GP. It is obviously different to football but it is a job I really enjoy.'

Howard Beverland (centre) trains three times a week for Crusaders on top of his full-time job

While Wolves have been touring China, beating Manchester City on penalties in the Premier League Asia Trophy, their next opponents have been balancing training with work. Typically Crusaders have two sessions on Mondays, are off Tuesdays, go in on Wednesday mornings and Thursday nights, then have Friday off.

Like every other member of the side, Beverland has booked a couple of days away from work to feature against Wolves, with bosses understanding that, as he says, 'it will take an awful lot to top this experience in our football careers.'

Crusaders plan to soak up the occasion but Beverland will be happy to return to the office for an occupation he finds very rewarding.

Football can come in handy, especially with the boys, the majority of who are into it. You can share a bit and suddenly you have their attention.

'Some kids have a really bad start to life and experience problems at home or bullying,'